Cynthia Gonzalez Annotated Bibliography-Part II Bilingual 350-Dr. Mc Inereney June 24, 2008 Blume, Judy. Super Fudge. Yearling, 1986. 176 pages. Ages: 9-12. Genre: Realistic Fiction. Language: English. Judy Blume’s second addition to the tales of the Hatcher family was indeed one of my favorite reads as a child. Fudge, who is a very wild and unique soul, spends most of his time terrorizing his older brother Peter. In this read, Fudge and the rest of the Hatcher family encounter many new changes, such as the arrival of a new sibling, and a move to Princeton. Although both Fudge and Peter have their hesitations about their new sister Tootsie, the two boys encounter new experiences as well as making new friends that makes their journey a remarkable one. Judy Blume has written various books for both adults and children. She has received many awards for her novel Super Fudge. These awards include but are not limited to, the Young Hoosier Award, the Garden State Children’s award, and the Colorado Children’s book award. Super Fudge is a recommended read for students because of the wonderful and exciting adventures that the wild character of Fudge seems to get into. As a realistic fiction novel for youth, Blume presents various themes that children are able to relate to, such as the sibling rivalry. I always enjoyed the way that Blume made Fudge appear so alive and exuberant through the novels. As an older sibling I was able to relate to the difficulties that Peter experienced with a pestering younger sibling, but Fudge’s creative appeal and energy made him a character that I wanted to be like and the stories and his adventures definitely kept me on the edge of my seat wandering what mayhem he would get into next. I feel that this is a positive quality of the plots presented within the book and in the way that it is presented in a simplistic manner for young readers. Curtis, Christopher Paul. The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963. New York: Random House, 1995. 210 pages. Ages: 9-14. Genre: Historical Fiction. Language: English. The novel is about the Watson family and their journey to try and find resolution to the disciplinary issues that they are facing with their son, as well as the historic Civil Rights events. Through constant minor misdemeanors and the constant sibling rivalry among the three children, Mama decides to take the family to visit grandma, where she hopes that the family can encounter some form of amelioration. Their journey to Birmingham proves essential, as the family encounters many life learning experiences through the hardships of segregation and violence. Their trip to Birmingham allowed the Watson’s the opportunity to re-examine their relationships and strengthen their family bonds. Christopher Paul Curtis is recognized today for being the first author to receive the Newberry Medal and the Corretta Scott King award. With only two novels he has received appraisal for his ability to reconnect youth to the past while focusing on the significance of family and morality. This novel is a must read for youth because of the many levels of insight and information that it provides for readers. The tone and language set a very realistic environment for readers to comprehend the issues that the young children were experiencing. The humor that is found within the initial pages also helps to captivate the minds and engage the readers to contribute to further reading. Curtis is able to tie in very sad but truthful accounts of what many individuals experienced during this very difficult period in history. It is a recommended read for the classroom because it allows for the students to read about issues that they can relate to as well as getting an insight into history and the struggles that many people experienced in this era. De Paola, Tomie. Strega Nona. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 1975. Ages: 4-8. Genre: Fairy tales, Folk, Myth. Language: English. This is a very humorous read about a mystical woman named Strega Nona who is the town’s problem solver. As a mediator to all she looked for the assistance of a villager to assist her with the tending of her house and garden, which she surprisingly finds in Big Anthony. Although he assisted her with her chores, Big Anthony could not steer away from his curiosities of Strega Nona’s magical abilities and tries to duplicate her wonderful ability to create pasta. Being unaware of her magic touch, Big Anthony finds himself in a predicament, when he is unable to stop producing pasta. Surely Strega Nona comes to the rescue the entire village. Tomie De Paola has been a very influential writer for over 40 years. In his career he has written over 200 books. De Paola received the Caldecott Award for the vivid, illuminating illustrations that entice the imagination to the world of Italy. Dr. Seuss. The Cat in the Hat. Random House, 1957. 72 pages. Ages: 4-8. Genre: Fiction-Humor. Language: English. Filled with boredom on a boring, and rainy day, two small children are startled by one of thee most peculiar visitors that they have ever encountered. A wild and sporadic cat shows up on their doorstop to fill their afternoon with mischief. The Cat in the Hat drives the small children with his playful antics by destroying their house and terrorizing them, until the older boy is finally able to build up the courage to put an end to the Cat’s madness. Dr. Seuss is today known as one of thee most influential writers in children’s literature. He is very much appraised for his ability to have set endless limits with his spontaneous creativity that was evident in his characters and stories. As an author and a cartoonist he has been recognized with many awards for his unique contribution to the promotion of literacy among youth. As a story created for children with the purpose of promoting literacy with the use of only what Dr. Seuss felt were the most significant youth, he creates a fun story that is filled with wild and unique characters that fill the minds of youth with countless measures of imagination. His creative appeal to writing and illustration create an engaging tool for readers because of the short reads and the wacky events that take place alongside of the amazing characters. I would definitely recommend this read within the classroom because it is an essential tool that can help establish the foundation of literacy with the numerous accounts of repetition that occur within the story that makes it inviting to young readers. The story is set in an environment that is common for many readers and allows for imagination to soar when they can create their own adventures to escape gloomy days at home. Hays, Michael. Abiyoyo. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1963. 48 pages. Ages 4-8. Genre:Fables, Folk Tales and Myths. Language: English. This is a fun South African folk tale that tells of a mischievous father and son. The two, whom have been banned from the village because of their wild antics, gain the opportunity to redeem themselves by overcoming the monstrous Abiyoyo that searches to wreak havoc in the village. By playing the son’s ukulele which the villagers frowned upon the father and son were able to lure Abiyoyo to dance until he is merely out of breath. With his magical wand, the father is to save the village from the town by making Abiyoyo disappear forever. Peter Seeger is widely known for his dominating and significant role as a political activist, as well as being a famous folk singer. Seeger has received many awards such as the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Harvard Arts Medal. The tale is very magical and inviting, as it showcases the ability to have both a father and some overcome standard norms within a village. Their creative appeals, which were highly disregarded until it was beneficiary to others, was a quality that they never gave up on regardless of what the town thought about them. This in turn makes this lyrical tale a very significant read for youth because it allows them a chance to re-examine their own qualities that they possess. The mystical approach of the town monster adds further excitement to the plot and Steeger creates a very wholesome appeal to the notion of the protagonists overcoming their obstacles. Lowry, Lois. The Giver. Bantam Books, 1993. 180 pages. Ages: Young Adult. Genre: Science Fiction. Language: English. In this novel, a young boy named Jonas experiences personal struggles with the acceptance of his new role in his community. His community, which models a euphoric society, places strict rules on its inhabitants so as to live in a wholesome, yet simplistic state, which in turn leaves no room for chaos and anarchy. Through the communities assigning of individualized duties, Jonas is selected to become the town Receiver of Memory. Although a very honorable position, Jonas soon becomes distressed with the responsibility of holding memories for the entire community. His ignorance and inexperience of feelings, color, pain, and love lead him to question the validity of his much acclaimed community and the life choices that they have instilled upon its members. Lois Lowry is recognized today for her wonderful ability to capture the essence and the significance of family support and moral through her novels. Her first novel A Summer to Die For, even focuses on her childhood experiences that she and her family went through. Lois Lowry has been recognized by receiving awards such two Newberry Award Medals, and the Boston Globe-Horn Award. The Giver was a reading selection that was assigned to me at least three times when I was in both elementary school and high school, and it is definitely one of my favorite. The futuristic elements of the story, such as the environment within the community and the way of life that they abide by, make it a very captivating read that can engage readers of all ages. The plot is very interesting as readers get a feel for a lifestyle that is very unlike ours, and how through acquiring knowledge children are able to define and set their own personal perceptions on the way that life should be, when choices are eliminated from their lifestyle. This is a read that I would definitely recommend for teachers to integrate within their classrooms because of the mystical appeal to another way of life and it gives students the opportunity to create their own euphoric communities as well as gaining an appreciation for the privileges that they currently have. Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet. Aladdin, 1996. 208 pages. Ages: Young Adult. Genre: Survival Novel.Language: English. A true depiction of a survival story, the novel focuses on the amazing journey and struggles that Paul, a thirteen year old boy must face, when his plane surprisingly crashes in the woods of Canada. On his way to visit his father whom he has not seen since his parents officially divorced, Paul boards the small jet plane with an array of mixed feelings. Filled with anger and disappointment because of his parent’s failed marriage due to his mother’s infidelities, Paul soon finds that those worries become utterly meaningless when he is left to survive the fearful realms of nature. Pain, fear, starvation, stranded and alone, Paul finds himself responsible for the longevity of his own existence within the woods as he desperately waits for a rescue that he is fearful may never even occur. Paul truly reveals a coming of age character for readers as he struggles to survive all the obstacles that the plane crash has placed before him. Gary Paulsen is known today as a very popular young adult’s author.As a child, he was never one of the best students, but he had a profound love for reading. He is guided by the youth driven principles to engage youth in connecting with the world around them and getting an appreciation for life. Paulsen’s was awarded the Newberry Honor award for his book The Winter Room. Hatchet is a definite read that should be integrated within the classroom because if its suspense filled plot that captivates readers and keeps them on the edge of their seats, as they read to reveal whether or not Paul will survive the wilderness. The novel presents very interesting events that are very unlike what readers experience in their daily lives. The struggles that he experiences make this an interesting read for youth because it allows for their imagination to place them in this wild adventure and even question their own strengths and weaknesses. The author provides very detailed information that allows the reader to feel as though he is part of the story from the initial crash, to the heart wrenching encounter with a wild bear. Besides survival, the book also addresses themes as divorce and coming of ages issues that young readers can relate to. Ryan, Pam Munoz. Blue Sky Press, 2002. 288 pages.Ages: 9-12. Genre: Young Adult Novel. Language: English. Esperanza Rising is a wonderful novel about a young girl named Esperanza who encounters difficult life struggles when she is suddenly torn away from the world she loved and forced to live in a world where she feels utterly useless and foreign to. Set in the country of Mexico during a time when bandits took the law into their own hand for the injustices they’ve experienced, Esperanza’s father, a wealthy land owner is murdered. To their sad dismay, his death leaves Esperanza and her mother fleeing with their servants to a migrant farm to escape her malicious uncles. Unaccustomed to the life of a field worker, Esperanza finds herself struggling to survive her abrupt shift social class. Mocked by many for her inexperience and the privileges she once enjoyed Esperanza is put to the test when she had to adapt to the new ways of life and the struggles that she must face as an immigrant field worker. Pam Munoz Ryan is a California native who has written over 24 books for children. After a long journey within the school system, as both a teacher and an administrator, Ryan began writing novels because of a friend’s encouragement. Ryan has been awarded with the 2001 ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults Award, as well as the 2000 Smithsonian Best Book Award. The novel was a great read for me because it allowed me to gain a more in depth exposure to the harsh realities that many people experienced during the Great Depression. Although written from the Mexican view point, the author reveals what people of other races encountered during this time, which makes the read an experience that many children can relate to. The themes presented are significant because they involve the strengths and bonds between family members and their significance in everyone’s lives. The relationship between Esperanza and her family, as well as the friends that helped them escape and survive, depict the notion of caring and humanity which caused me as a reader to reflect upon the relationships that I posses with my family as well as my peers. I feel that Munoz was able to depict Esperanza’s story in a way that would captivate young readers as well. This would be a recommended read for readers because it would allow for readers to get exposure to historic events as well as the Mexican culture and its various traditions. Soto, Gary. Baseball in April.Orlando: Harcourt Inc, 1958. 128 pages. Ages: 9-12. Genre: General Fiction; Short Stories. Language: English. In this quick easy read, Gary Soto provides a brief glimpse down memory lane of some of the remarkable experiences that he and others have encountered as youth growing up in California. Through these personal and heart warming experiences Soto captivates a coming of age novel that reflects on various issues such as growing up, friendship, and love. Gary Soto is a remarkable Mexican American author who is widely known for his poetry and short stories. His novel Baseball in April received the ALA Best Book for young adults. As one of my last minute reads for the assignment, I selected the book because of significant small number of pages. Although short, the novel is very captivating as its words and through the characters, readers are able to place themselves within the neighborhood that Soto describes. This is definitely an interesting read that would captivate readers because of the significant issues that it covers within such a small text. Soto’s word selection and recreation of California in these times allows readers to gain insight of the Mexican community. More importantly although the story highlights many significant traditions and customs of the Mexican culture, what the youth in the story go through are experiences that any youth can relate with. Strasser, Todd. The Wave. Laurel Leaf, 1981. 144 pages. Ages: 12-18 years old. Genre: Young Adult Fiction. Language: English. This read captivates a true incident that occurred in a high school classroom in 1969. As a teacher in a small, quiet, and isolated town in California, Ben Ross finds himself struggling to engage and captivate the minds of his youthful yet very unenthusiastic students. To captivate their interests, Ben Ross exposes the students to a movie that depicts the horrific events that occurred during the holocaust under Hitler’s reign. Shocked by the severity of the events, the students are unable to comprehend how such a horrific incident occurred. Being unable to answer their questions, Ben Ross decides to conduct a classroom experiment that encompasses the theories and notions of order and obedience within his classroom to reveal to them the powers that groups and leaders can have among a group of people. He begins by simple order and commands that the students must follow in the classroom, and then goes to the extreme of issuing them membership cards, salutes, and symbols. The experiment produces positive results among the students initially, but once the students infiltrate the mechanisms within the school, the experiment takes a turn that even Ben Ross did not expect. Todd Strasser, a New York City native, studied Journalism in College, and went on to become the owner of a fortune cookie company. Strasser has received many awards, such as the ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults, New York State Charlotte Award, and the Rhode Island Teen Book Award. The Wave was a recommended read from a colleague who felt that this book was written in a very untraditional style and it could capture the significance of very sad, yet important historic event, that was appealing to older youth. After having read the novel, I have to agree. I feel that it was untraditional in the sense that it allowed the reader to get a real feel for the historic incident through these students’ experiences. They all questioned how such a tragedy could occur, and yet they themselves became overwhelmed and very engaged with what the movement offered, regardless of what opposing voices had to say. I would definitely incorporate this read into a classroom because it not only highlights historical events, but it teaches significant issues that many teens deal with through their teen years. Although the book reflected on the basis of Hitler’s regime, students can connect with it because of issues with gangs and peer pressures that they receive in their immediate environments as well as what the media so often portrays to them.
Annotated Bibliography (Part I)-Children’s Literature
By: Cynthia Gonzalez
Chicago State University
Bilingual 350
Dr. McInerney
June 3, 2008
Alacron, Francisco. Laughing Tomatoes and other Spring Poems. San Francisco: Children’s Book Press, 1997. 32 pages. Ages: 6 and up. Genre: Poetry. Language: English and Spanish.
Alacron provides readers with a remarkable collection of poems which celebrates family traditions and cultures, nature, the season of spring, and coming of age themes. Among my favorite of the books picked for this assignment the book encompasses many themes and tales of culture and tradition that reflect upon the pure and gentle thoughts of youth. The book, through its descriptive poems has the ability to captivate the reader and bring to life the different experiences and thoughts that the poems present. The illustrations are filled with various colors to add to the whimsical and magical essence of each poem. Francisco Alacron is a much acclaimed poet whose inspiration comes from the musical influences of his grandmother. The collection of poems has been recognized for its exhilarating and thrilling ability to captivate readers through the use of both the English and Spanish language. The book has received many awards which include thee 1998 Pura Blepre Honor Award and the National Parenting Publications Gold Medal Award.
This book was one of my personal favorites because of the fun and bright colors that were used in the illustrations. Along with the amazing illustrations each poem had the ability to make me as a reader, because of the word usage, feel as though the experiences came to life as I read through them and slowly let my imagination take me to the precise moments that the poem described. The book addresses various themes about nature, culture, and tradition. The book resembles other books in the sense that it provides young readers with a collection of poems that are intended to get them to embark upon thinking about specific issues in their lives. The book is distinguished in the sense that it had exuberant colors that help bring the characters and words to life to fully engage the readers into those personal experiences. The book is filled with very short poems that are very descriptive and they were presented to the reader in two languages.
Children would definitely like this book because of the wonderful illustrations and the ability o relate to the experiences and feelings that are expressed in these poems that celebrate the coming of spring. Reading this book alone allowed me the opportunity to view the images that I know would be captivating for the eyes of youth, which in turn would make this a much recommended read for other teachers. The events are engaging and free from stereotyping which makes this a book that would be useful with integrating different views of culture and language into the classroom. Each poem is fresh and invigorating, some poems long and others short, with captivating illustrations that bring the words to life.
Cisneros, Sandra. The House on Mango Street. Texas: Arte Publico Press, 1984.Ages: 10 and up. Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction. Language: English.
One of Sandra Cisneros most acclaimed contributions to the literary world; the House on Mango Street is the coming of age story of a young girl named Esperanza who struggles with various issues that are reflections of her search for her true identity. Filled with small chapter excerpts, the book follows Esperanza’s childhood and the many journeys she embarks upon as well as the individuals she interacts with that have helped to influence the person that she one day hopes to become. Filled with youthful insights and inexperience, Esperanza provides the epitome of the struggles that youth encounter throughout their development. Esperanza’s unwillingness to conform and her perseverance to become more than one of the inhabitants of Mango Street unwittingly help her to overlook the significant role that her family, peers, and neighborhood play on her overall development, thus making it a life long struggle that she herself can only find the resolution to. Sandra Cisneros is a Chicago native who spent an ample amount of time being a teacher as well as a mentor and counselor for youth. Her other works include My Wicked, Wicked Ways, Loose Woman and Woman Hollering Creek. Cisneros has also received prestige recognition with the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, the PEN center West Award, and the Quality Paperback Book Club New Voices Award.
The House on Mango Street was a very interesting read for me because of how close the content matter hit to home. It was definitely refreshing and inviting to have a story based in the city in which I myself grew up in. Most importantly the book addresses various themes that I along with various other youth definitely encounter which include identity, culture, and overcoming traditional norms. Like other books, it presents the characters with coming of age obstacles as well as their individual resolutions to help provide readers with an insight to a character that they can try to relate to. The book is unlike others that I have read because of the style in which the information is presented. Instead of depicting the entire life of Esperanza in a 300 word story book, Cisneros captivates the crucial moments in her life that have helped influence the woman Esperanza wants to become in short chapters which help the reader to remain engaged in the story.
The story has realistic fictional elements that make the story life like, and definitely a comprehensible read that youth can relate to. Reading the book alone helped to identify the crucial themes that are presented within the story line that make this a recommended read for classrooms. Although the story is about a Latino family in a Chicago urban neighborhood with issues about growing up, peers, racism, and sexism that are all found within Esperanza’s world the experiences make it relatable to the youth of today and the struggles they are encountering. The book does not stereotype a specific culture, race, or tradition, but it does highlight various issues that exist amongst different cultures, and it presents the ideals of how Esperanza’s perspective of these traditions helped to influence her overall development. Although there were no illustrations within the book, Cisneros was able to present unique characters within the chapters that helped to contribute to the feel of the Mango Street neighborhood and their dynamics. Each character was individually created within the story to help Esperanza identify what qualities she wanted to possess or tear away from.
Krull, Kathleen. Cosechando Esperanza. La Historia de Cesar Chavez. New York: Libros Viajeros, Harcourt Inc, 2003. 47 pages. Ages: 6-9. Genre: Non-Fiction. Language: Spanish.
The story highlights the significant events that Chavez encompassed that led up to him being a social activist and an iconic figure throughout the world. Through the struggles and hardships that he faced because of poor working conditions and his unwillingness to conform, Chavez revolutionized the ideals of his fellow people so as to partake in a nonviolent approach to attain their human deserving rights. Kathleen Krull is famous biographies literary leader for children’s literature. Her works include Pocahontas, Houdini, and Wilma Unlimited. Krull is today the proud recipient of the Boston, Globe/Horn Book Honor Award and the Christopher Award.
I enjoyed this read and I feel that young readers would as well because of the abundant use of colors used in the illustrations to create captivating life like images to represent the different scenes within the book. A much forgotten icon in the classroom setting, I think it is essential to incorporate this book into the classroom because Cesar Chavez is a name that should be known as much as MLK’s l or Rosa Parks. Krull even highlights how Chavez abided by the same non violent techniques that the above mentioned heroes practiced to attempt to bring justice to the people. The themes presented in the book are about injustice our everyday lives and the means of bringing about change. To instill social activism within our students, a read like this one would provide a good background into the struggles we faced and will continue to face, and how we can follow in the footsteps of past heroes to attempt to make a significant impact upon the world around us. The plot was fresh and interesting because of the fact that it was a depiction of real life events and a mans individual aspiration to bring about social change because of an unjust system.
Lobel, Arnold. Sapo y Sepo Inseparables .Florida,Santillana USA, 1971. 68 Pages. Ages: Early Childhood. Genre: Chapter Book. Language: Spanish.
Sapo y Sepo is one of my forgotten childhood favorites. These short, easy read, chapter books invite young readers to embark upon various adventures with two loving friends. In this book Sapo y Sepo overcome common daily struggles that children can easily relate to, making this a useful resource for an instructional read for conflict resolution skills for young readers. Sapo y Sepo overcome issues with bravery, patience, and most importantly loyalty and friendship. Arnold Lobel is recognized today for his wonderful contributions in the literary world for beginning readers. His other works include Owl at Home, Grasshopper on the Road, and, Mouse Tales. Lobel is recognized for his achievement with both the Newbery and the Caldecott Award.
Sapo y Sepo is a favorite book of mine because of the many adventures that these two friends embark upon. The themes reflected in the chapters revolve around the ideals of friendship and what two very distinct personalities go through in trying to overcome the obstacles that are in front of them. The loyalty amongst the two friends serves as a reference to young readers as to the relationship qualities that they should value in friends, as well as their ability to overcome the many obstacles that their adventures bring upon the two of them. I think that the book is very unique in the sense that the two friends are showcased through animals giving the story a fun and magical approach to serious issues that youth encounter in their early ages. The book is a short read that is filled with different chapters revolving around a different adventure in each one. The short stories make it an interesting book for young readers. I read this book alone, but i think that it is a book that young readers can relate to. With the idea that there are chapters within this short story frame, beginning readers are instilled with a sense of growth and accomplishment as they make the transition from picture books to short chapter books. The book is not comprised of many illustrations to adhere to the transitional period that young readers embark upon when reading their first chapter books. Like the book and the chapter they are short and simple, but very captivating.
Using simple colors to coincide with the feel of the characters and the environment that they live in, the illustrations serve as rein forcers to highlight the significant moments within the chapter. The book is free from stereotyping and the idea that the two main characters are animals definitely leaves it open for readers to be able to feel as though they can relate to Sapo y Sepo. Sapo y Sepo are two very unique characters that engage the readers because of their individual ways of thinking and how they react to the situations that they find themselves in. Each chapter presents a unique and interesting adventure for the two characters which engages readers to see what types of scenarios the two will find themselves in. This would definitely be a recommended read because of it is a short simple representation of everyday issues that children embody and through the simple structures, students are able to not only engage in the reading but can adequately relate to them.
Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1989. 137 pages. Ages: Middle Ages Genre: Young Adult Novel. Language: English.
In this fictional depiction of sad, yet, true events, Lowry captivates a very heart warming experience of a young girl named Anne and the very poignant and dangerous struggles that she encounters as her Jewish friends and neighbors are being persecuted by the Nazis. Along with the strict rules and harsh living conditions imposed upon them after the war, Anne is forced to grow up in a world full of danger to protect the ones she deeply cares for. The deep sympathy and extremes that young Anne puts her life at risk for depict the essence of qualities human nature can bring about in every individual. Lois Lowry is known today for her bold depiction of somewhat controversial topics in her literary works. Lowry tackles very strong issues in her novels that all reflect on the essence of the empathetic human being. She has received two Newberry Awards for her work with Number the Stars and The Giver.
A significant quality that made this book appealing to me as a reader, was the ability to incorporate significant life themes in a setting that is beyond the realm of comprehension for many readers, yet it is a well written story that is comprehensible while still offering student with an insight to the past. As a young reader I did not comprehend the exact nature of the Jewish persecution but Lowry present both characters and a very captivating plot that intrigues a reader and motivates them to remain engaged within the story line. The story provides insight to a very significant theme of the past exposing the students to history as well as presenting the problems in a simple uncomplicated manner that makes it a book that the readers can relate to. The themes of friendship and devotion play a key role to why young readers could be engaged in this depiction that Lowry presents about some of the issues that may have been presented to the youth at this time. The plot is engaging because it keeps readers on the edge as they follow Anne through the dangerous journey she and her family embark upon to protect her friend.
Mc Dermott, Gerald. Creation. New York: Duton Children’s Books, 2003.32 pages. Ages: Juvenile. Genre: Picture Story Book-Juvenile Non-Fiction. Language: English.
Filled with vivid illustrations, Gerald Mc Dermott presents a very unique depiction of the original creation of Earth and all its habitants. Mc Dermott’s captivating illustrations create a very imaginative perspective about the significant events that led to our existence. His precise word usage makes this an easy and comprehensible read for youth, while in turn also leaving a strong mythical impact on the minds of youth. Gerald Mc Dermott is known today for his ability to create spiritual stories that move the minds and souls of young readers. Using colorful images he is able to captivate and engage youth into reading tales that revolve around very meaningful and mythical subject matter. Mc Dermott has received praise for his outstanding accomplishments through recognition as the First Fellow of the Joseph Campbell Foundation, and the Caldecott award.
Upon making numerous selections for the assignment I chose this book in particular because of its exuberant images. The bright images and abundance of colors invite readers to engage in further learning of the subject matter that the book contains. Mc Dermott has a very unique style of presenting a very complex issue in a way that is both invigorating and appealing for its young readers. The book specifically addresses themes about religion and the creation of world according to the Bible and the book of Genesis. Due to the fact that I have not been a very prominent reader since my early school days this book is very unique in the sense that it is unlike other stories because of the fact that it discusses the significance of religion in our existence. The special elements that this story contains are the bright images the story elicits, that definitely set the tone for a very fun read about a very significant issue. Creation contains important themes about the formation of the Earth that would be essential to expose children to if their religions and beliefs abided by the same connotations. This in turn makes this read one that might not be appropriate for all classrooms based upon different beliefs about how the Earth was originally created. In turn the book could also be a tool to help other students learn about the beliefs of other cultures. I would definitely recommend this book to another author because of the nature the magical nature that is presented with the bright illustrations to a very mythical tale.
Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. New York: Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 1997. 312 pages. Ages: Genre: Contemporary Fantasy.
In the first installment of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling introduces the themes of friendship, trust, fallacy, death, secrets, destiny, and self perseverance in the form of magical realism. Harry Potter is introduced as a character with an undiscovered past that catches up with him when he is admitted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Once he enters the wizarding world an unexpected battle between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort, the man responsible for the death of his parents and the scar on his head, depicting a captivating battle of good and evil that develops throughout the series. J.K. Rowling has been writing since she was a child but her talents were not recognized until Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published. Her unique series has been recognized with awards such as the book of the year at the British Book Awards, four Whitaker Platinum Book Awards, Nestlé Smarties book prizes, Scottish Arts Council book awards, Whitbread children’s book of the year award, the WHSmith book of the year, as well as being nominated for many others.
Harry Potter and theSorcerers Stone is an extravagant book meant for all ages. Although it is a book of fantasy it touches upon important issues such as friendship, love, trust, death, adolescence, and apathy. This story is unlike any that I have read before; it does not follow the norms of a traditional novel but it brings important issues to real life through the obstacles that the protagonists must overcome. The book teaches the readers about life without explicitly stating right and wrong. It allows the younger readers a chance to see and understand real life situations through fictional characters and their situations. With the first read, many younger children may only be interested in the magic and the idea of fantasy, but with a second or third read, or perhaps a read done by older individuals, then they would understand the bigger picture and how it can relate to real life. As part of an older audience, I would say that this is an appropriate book to read to children because it helps stimulate their imagination and it allows them to express themselves freely and creatively. It also allows older audiences to reconnect with their childhood as they enjoy this unique piece of literature. Each character brings refreshing and entertaining characteristics to the story. Their vulnerability, strength, passion, fears, silliness, and pain are characteristics that the readers can relate to which is why the readers are engaged with the series. It is not only the characters that engage us in the story but the plot as well. From the beginning readers are concerned with the young boy who lost his family to an evil wizard and whose life would remain a secret until his eleventh birthday when he finds out he is a wizard and that the murder is determined to finish what he started. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a book that should be found in classrooms and libraries because it helps develop children’s writing as well as demonstrating that reading can be engaging which will in turn motivate students to read more.
Sendack, Maurice. Where the Wild Things Are. Harper Collins, 1988. 48 pages. Ages: Genre: Picture Story Book. Language: English.
Where the Wild Things Are is a fun and magical read that takes a step into the imaginary world of a boy named Max. With his fun and unique wolf costume, Max takes the readers on an incredible journey to a place where exotic creatures roam around and call him their king. In a fantasy world with no rules and regulations, Max soon finds himself weary of all his freedom and is then on a quest back home in search of the warm comfort of a hot meal at home. Through Sendack’s detailed and vibrant images, readers are able to embrace the essence of Max’s magical world. Maurice Sendack’s creative imagination helps bring about one of the most acclaimed stories in children’s literature. His unique illustrations and distinctive story line has helped bring about the awarding of the 1964 Caldecott Award.
I absolutely loved this read. The fun illustrations make Max’s world come to life. It is a fun and creative celebration of the unique minds and the mythical fantasy worlds that student imaginations create. I would definitely recommend this book for further reading for the creative insight as well as the lesson that the underlying theme teaches readers. The book clearly showcases the ideals of young children unwillingly conforming to rules and standards opposed upon hem by adults, and Sendack provides a resolution for what readers can do as means of providing an outlet for the imaginative minds. The exotic creatures help create a mythical atmosphere that does not but any boundaries nor does it stereotype for that mater because it is all up the imagination to create a world that will provide an outlet for the young mind. The plot is interesting because it shows defiance and the unwillingness to conform which is somewhat common for young readers, but at the end it provides means of finding your way back home, back where things are a lot more pleasant than children realize. Max’s character was very engaging because of the sporadic nature of where his journey led him. His determinedness can somewhat captivate a heroic iconic figure for students to admire.
Sendack, Maurice,Yorinks, Arthur, and Matthew Reinhart. MAMA? China: Michael Di Capua Books, 2006. 12 pages. Ages: Early Childhood. Genre: Picture book. Language: Spanish.
As a collaborative project among three prominent authors, MAMA? is a fun filled story filled with amazing illustrations and pop ups that is sure to engage many young readers. A young boy finds himself in a haunted horror filled castle searching for his mother. Along the way the young boy encounters various scary finger clenching creatures that try to prevent him from finding her. The young boy adds a comical twist to the story by simply overlooking the creatures and not letting them become obstacles towards finding his beloved mother. This adorable approach to the warm and affectionate relationship between mother and son provides for a family read that parents can enjoy with their children. The individual contribution of each author helps set the tone for a whimsical approach to the horror scene which then provides a comical appeal to many young readers. Maurice Sendak which is most famously known for works such as Where the Wild Things Are, and In the Night Kitchen is both an illustrator and a writer who has been awarded with prestigious recognition such as, the Caldecott Award and the Astrid Lingdren Memorial Award. Yorinks, who is writer for both children’s literature and theater, has composed such pieces such as Sid and Sol and Christmas in July. Matthew Reinhart is a much proclaimed artist who, dreamed of becoming a toy designer, but became an outstanding figure in the pop up world of literature. Reinhart’s work can be found in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and Star Wars: Pop Up Guide to the Galaxy.
I found that the initial structure of the book is what captivated my eye. Very big and thick and filled with fun horror images, the book can prove a definite eye catcher among young readers. I enjoyed the comical approach to the horror and terror filled setting as the young boy undoes any of the creatures horror filled attributes because of his strong motivation to continue his search for his mother. The theme the book addresses is about the kind and yet everlasting relationship between a young boy and his mother. Not even the scariest of all creatures could have prevented this young boy from finding his mother. The book was unique in the sense that it was filled with vivid and eye dazzling pop ups and illustrations that highlighted the scary scenes of a dark haunted castle. Like many other books it touched on an important theme which was the significance of family and the undying relationship between mother and son. The book was unlike others because of the scene that the young boy found himself in and the representation of art through the amazing pop ups.
I definitely think that children would enjoy this book because of its shape, the illustrations, and pop up images, and the important family theme that is found within the book. I read this book alone and found it to be very comical. I would say that the illustrations are very in depth and very engaging. The variety of colors and images used, along with the pop ups help to create a very magical feel to this comical horror story. I would say that this book is free from stereotyping as it encompasses the ideal that many families are different with the revelation that the young boy’s mother is a monster at the end. The characters are very engaging with the sense that the young boy is dressed in pajamas as he unwittingly searches for her in a haunted castle. His fearlessness and determinedness makes him a character that young readers would want to relate to. The scary creatures that he comes across are very engaging as well. Through the illustration and the use of various colors their individual horrific attributes are highlighted but are then comically wound down as the young boy takes the scariness out of each one. The plot is interesting and fresh due to the fact that it is not set in any ordinary environment. The setting within the haunted castle makes the simple idea of searching for ones mother all the more interesting, especially since the main character is quite fearless. I would definitely recommend this read to another teacher because of the outstanding portrayal of the illustrations within the pop ups. The book also highlights a very significant theme that is presented in a very comical manner.
Silverstein, Shel. Uncle Shelby’s Zoo:Don’t Bump the Glump and Other Fantasies. New York: Harper Collin’s Children’s Books, 1964. 56 pages. Ages: All ages. Genre: Fanatasy Poetry. Language: English.
The collection of poetry found in this collection was a strange one for me personally. For a young reader the book definitely embarks upon different verses of the attributes of fantasy like creatures that are unlike anything unknown to man. The vivid illustrations that follow each verse highlight the humorous and extreme nature of these wild creatures that Silverstein creates in his collection. The verses highlight each individual quality which leaves room for the imagination to soar when young readers can try to invent their own fantasy like creatures. Shel Silverstein, another Chicago native wrote contributed many works such as the Light in the Attic, the Giving Tree, and Where the Sidewalk Ends. Silverstein has been awarded a Grammy Award for Best Album.
Out of the few books of Silverstein that I have read, I must say that this was one that I liked the least. The images were captivating in the sense that they helped to contribute to the morbid structures the ghoulish fantasy like creatures that he created in this fantasy filled poetry collection. I believe that this book was intended for a reader with a creative and imaginative realm of thinking. The book is not one that I would personally read, but I would recommend it because it is unlike other books of poetry because of the strange magical feel that it brings to light. The book addresses an important theme that is significant for youth to comprehend about individuality and the acceptance of others around us that don’t necessarily fit the accustomed norms. I feel that the plot is not fresh in the sense that the read is redundant and it doesn’t differ much in the engaging verses for me as a reader. Much after the tenth creature the book somewhat lost its edge and validity.
Cynthia Gonzalez
Annotated Bibliography-Part II
Bilingual 350-Dr. Mc Inereney
June 24, 2008
Blume, Judy. Super Fudge. Yearling, 1986. 176 pages. Ages: 9-12. Genre: Realistic Fiction. Language: English.
Judy Blume’s second addition to the tales of the Hatcher family was indeed one of my favorite reads as a child. Fudge, who is a very wild and unique soul, spends most of his time terrorizing his older brother Peter. In this read, Fudge and the rest of the Hatcher family encounter many new changes, such as the arrival of a new sibling, and a move to Princeton. Although both Fudge and Peter have their hesitations about their new sister Tootsie, the two boys encounter new experiences as well as making new friends that makes their journey a remarkable one. Judy Blume has written various books for both adults and children. She has received many awards for her novel Super Fudge. These awards include but are not limited to, the Young Hoosier Award, the Garden State Children’s award, and the Colorado Children’s book award.
Super Fudge is a recommended read for students because of the wonderful and exciting adventures that the wild character of Fudge seems to get into. As a realistic fiction novel for youth, Blume presents various themes that children are able to relate to, such as the sibling rivalry. I always enjoyed the way that Blume made Fudge appear so alive and exuberant through the novels. As an older sibling I was able to relate to the difficulties that Peter experienced with a pestering younger sibling, but Fudge’s creative appeal and energy made him a character that I wanted to be like and the stories and his adventures definitely kept me on the edge of my seat wandering what mayhem he would get into next. I feel that this is a positive quality of the plots presented within the book and in the way that it is presented in a simplistic manner for young readers.
Curtis, Christopher Paul. The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963. New York: Random House, 1995. 210 pages. Ages: 9-14. Genre: Historical Fiction. Language: English.
The novel is about the Watson family and their journey to try and find resolution to the disciplinary issues that they are facing with their son, as well as the historic Civil Rights events. Through constant minor misdemeanors and the constant sibling rivalry among the three children, Mama decides to take the family to visit grandma, where she hopes that the family can encounter some form of amelioration. Their journey to Birmingham proves essential, as the family encounters many life learning experiences through the hardships of segregation and violence. Their trip to Birmingham allowed the Watson’s the opportunity to re-examine their relationships and strengthen their family bonds. Christopher Paul Curtis is recognized today for being the first author to receive the Newberry Medal and the Corretta Scott King award. With only two novels he has received appraisal for his ability to reconnect youth to the past while focusing on the significance of family and morality.
This novel is a must read for youth because of the many levels of insight and information that it provides for readers. The tone and language set a very realistic environment for readers to comprehend the issues that the young children were experiencing. The humor that is found within the initial pages also helps to captivate the minds and engage the readers to contribute to further reading. Curtis is able to tie in very sad but truthful accounts of what many individuals experienced during this very difficult period in history. It is a recommended read for the classroom because it allows for the students to read about issues that they can relate to as well as getting an insight into history and the struggles that many people experienced in this era.
De Paola, Tomie. Strega Nona. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 1975. Ages: 4-8. Genre: Fairy tales, Folk, Myth. Language: English.
This is a very humorous read about a mystical woman named Strega Nona who is the town’s problem solver. As a mediator to all she looked for the assistance of a villager to assist her with the tending of her house and garden, which she surprisingly finds in Big Anthony. Although he assisted her with her chores, Big Anthony could not steer away from his curiosities of Strega Nona’s magical abilities and tries to duplicate her wonderful ability to create pasta. Being unaware of her magic touch, Big Anthony finds himself in a predicament, when he is unable to stop producing pasta. Surely Strega Nona comes to the rescue the entire village. Tomie De Paola has been a very influential writer for over 40 years. In his career he has written over 200 books. De Paola received the Caldecott Award for the vivid, illuminating illustrations that entice the imagination to the world of Italy.
Dr. Seuss. The Cat in the Hat. Random House, 1957. 72 pages. Ages: 4-8. Genre: Fiction-Humor. Language: English.
Filled with boredom on a boring, and rainy day, two small children are startled by one of thee most peculiar visitors that they have ever encountered. A wild and sporadic cat shows up on their doorstop to fill their afternoon with mischief. The Cat in the Hat drives the small children with his playful antics by destroying their house and terrorizing them, until the older boy is finally able to build up the courage to put an end to the Cat’s madness. Dr. Seuss is today known as one of thee most influential writers in children’s literature. He is very much appraised for his ability to have set endless limits with his spontaneous creativity that was evident in his characters and stories. As an author and a cartoonist he has been recognized with many awards for his unique contribution to the promotion of literacy among youth.
As a story created for children with the purpose of promoting literacy with the use of only what Dr. Seuss felt were the most significant youth, he creates a fun story that is filled with wild and unique characters that fill the minds of youth with countless measures of imagination. His creative appeal to writing and illustration create an engaging tool for readers because of the short reads and the wacky events that take place alongside of the amazing characters. I would definitely recommend this read within the classroom because it is an essential tool that can help establish the foundation of literacy with the numerous accounts of repetition that occur within the story that makes it inviting to young readers. The story is set in an environment that is common for many readers and allows for imagination to soar when they can create their own adventures to escape gloomy days at home.
Hays, Michael. Abiyoyo. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1963. 48 pages. Ages 4-8. Genre: Fables, Folk Tales and Myths. Language: English.
This is a fun South African folk tale that tells of a mischievous father and son. The two, whom have been banned from the village because of their wild antics, gain the opportunity to redeem themselves by overcoming the monstrous Abiyoyo that searches to wreak havoc in the village. By playing the son’s ukulele which the villagers frowned upon the father and son were able to lure Abiyoyo to dance until he is merely out of breath. With his magical wand, the father is to save the village from the town by making Abiyoyo disappear forever. Peter Seeger is widely known for his dominating and significant role as a political activist, as well as being a famous folk singer. Seeger has received many awards such as the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Harvard Arts Medal.
The tale is very magical and inviting, as it showcases the ability to have both a father and some overcome standard norms within a village. Their creative appeals, which were highly disregarded until it was beneficiary to others, was a quality that they never gave up on regardless of what the town thought about them. This in turn makes this lyrical tale a very significant read for youth because it allows them a chance to re-examine their own qualities that they possess. The mystical approach of the town monster adds further excitement to the plot and Steeger creates a very wholesome appeal to the notion of the protagonists overcoming their obstacles.
Lowry, Lois. The Giver. Bantam Books, 1993. 180 pages. Ages: Young Adult. Genre: Science Fiction. Language: English.
In this novel, a young boy named Jonas experiences personal struggles with the acceptance of his new role in his community. His community, which models a euphoric society, places strict rules on its inhabitants so as to live in a wholesome, yet simplistic state, which in turn leaves no room for chaos and anarchy. Through the communities assigning of individualized duties, Jonas is selected to become the town Receiver of Memory. Although a very honorable position, Jonas soon becomes distressed with the responsibility of holding memories for the entire community. His ignorance and inexperience of feelings, color, pain, and love lead him to question the validity of his much acclaimed community and the life choices that they have instilled upon its members. Lois Lowry is recognized today for her wonderful ability to capture the essence and the significance of family support and moral through her novels. Her first novel A Summer to Die For, even focuses on her childhood experiences that she and her family went through. Lois Lowry has been recognized by receiving awards such two Newberry Award Medals, and the Boston Globe-Horn Award.
The Giver was a reading selection that was assigned to me at least three times when I was in both elementary school and high school, and it is definitely one of my favorite. The futuristic elements of the story, such as the environment within the community and the way of life that they abide by, make it a very captivating read that can engage readers of all ages. The plot is very interesting as readers get a feel for a lifestyle that is very unlike ours, and how through acquiring knowledge children are able to define and set their own personal perceptions on the way that life should be, when choices are eliminated from their lifestyle. This is a read that I would definitely recommend for teachers to integrate within their classrooms because of the mystical appeal to another way of life and it gives students the opportunity to create their own euphoric communities as well as gaining an appreciation for the privileges that they currently have.
Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet. Aladdin, 1996. 208 pages. Ages: Young Adult. Genre: Survival Novel.Language: English.
A true depiction of a survival story, the novel focuses on the amazing journey and struggles that Paul, a thirteen year old boy must face, when his plane surprisingly crashes in the woods of Canada. On his way to visit his father whom he has not seen since his parents officially divorced, Paul boards the small jet plane with an array of mixed feelings. Filled with anger and disappointment because of his parent’s failed marriage due to his mother’s infidelities, Paul soon finds that those worries become utterly meaningless when he is left to survive the fearful realms of nature. Pain, fear, starvation, stranded and alone, Paul finds himself responsible for the longevity of his own existence within the woods as he desperately waits for a rescue that he is fearful may never even occur. Paul truly reveals a coming of age character for readers as he struggles to survive all the obstacles that the plane crash has placed before him. Gary Paulsen is known today as a very popular young adult’s author. As a child, he was never one of the best students, but he had a profound love for reading. He is guided by the youth driven principles to engage youth in connecting with the world around them and getting an appreciation for life. Paulsen’s was awarded the Newberry Honor award for his book The Winter Room.
Hatchet is a definite read that should be integrated within the classroom because if its suspense filled plot that captivates readers and keeps them on the edge of their seats, as they read to reveal whether or not Paul will survive the wilderness. The novel presents very interesting events that are very unlike what readers experience in their daily lives. The struggles that he experiences make this an interesting read for youth because it allows for their imagination to place them in this wild adventure and even question their own strengths and weaknesses. The author provides very detailed information that allows the reader to feel as though he is part of the story from the initial crash, to the heart wrenching encounter with a wild bear. Besides survival, the book also addresses themes as divorce and coming of ages issues that young readers can relate to.
Ryan, Pam Munoz. Blue Sky Press, 2002. 288 pages.Ages: 9-12. Genre: Young Adult Novel. Language: English.
Esperanza Rising is a wonderful novel about a young girl named Esperanza who encounters difficult life struggles when she is suddenly torn away from the world she loved and forced to live in a world where she feels utterly useless and foreign to. Set in the country of Mexico during a time when bandits took the law into their own hand for the injustices they’ve experienced, Esperanza’s father, a wealthy land owner is murdered. To their sad dismay, his death leaves Esperanza and her mother fleeing with their servants to a migrant farm to escape her malicious uncles. Unaccustomed to the life of a field worker, Esperanza finds herself struggling to survive her abrupt shift social class. Mocked by many for her inexperience and the privileges she once enjoyed Esperanza is put to the test when she had to adapt to the new ways of life and the struggles that she must face as an immigrant field worker. Pam Munoz Ryan is a California native who has written over 24 books for children. After a long journey within the school system, as both a teacher and an administrator, Ryan began writing novels because of a friend’s encouragement. Ryan has been awarded with the 2001 ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults Award, as well as the 2000 Smithsonian Best Book Award.
The novel was a great read for me because it allowed me to gain a more in depth exposure to the harsh realities that many people experienced during the Great Depression. Although written from the Mexican view point, the author reveals what people of other races encountered during this time, which makes the read an experience that many children can relate to. The themes presented are significant because they involve the strengths and bonds between family members and their significance in everyone’s lives. The relationship between Esperanza and her family, as well as the friends that helped them escape and survive, depict the notion of caring and humanity which caused me as a reader to reflect upon the relationships that I posses with my family as well as my peers. I feel that Munoz was able to depict Esperanza’s story in a way that would captivate young readers as well. This would be a recommended read for readers because it would allow for readers to get exposure to historic events as well as the Mexican culture and its various traditions.
Soto, Gary. Baseball in April. Orlando: Harcourt Inc, 1958. 128 pages. Ages: 9-12. Genre: General Fiction; Short Stories. Language: English.
In this quick easy read, Gary Soto provides a brief glimpse down memory lane of some of the remarkable experiences that he and others have encountered as youth growing up in California. Through these personal and heart warming experiences Soto captivates a coming of age novel that reflects on various issues such as growing up, friendship, and love. Gary Soto is a remarkable Mexican American author who is widely known for his poetry and short stories. His novel Baseball in April received the ALA Best Book for young adults.
As one of my last minute reads for the assignment, I selected the book because of significant small number of pages. Although short, the novel is very captivating as its words and through the characters, readers are able to place themselves within the neighborhood that Soto describes. This is definitely an interesting read that would captivate readers because of the significant issues that it covers within such a small text. Soto’s word selection and recreation of California in these times allows readers to gain insight of the Mexican community. More importantly although the story highlights many significant traditions and customs of the Mexican culture, what the youth in the story go through are experiences that any youth can relate with.
Strasser, Todd. The Wave. Laurel Leaf, 1981. 144 pages. Ages: 12-18 years old. Genre: Young Adult Fiction. Language: English.
This read captivates a true incident that occurred in a high school classroom in 1969. As a teacher in a small, quiet, and isolated town in California, Ben Ross finds himself struggling to engage and captivate the minds of his youthful yet very unenthusiastic students. To captivate their interests, Ben Ross exposes the students to a movie that depicts the horrific events that occurred during the holocaust under Hitler’s reign. Shocked by the severity of the events, the students are unable to comprehend how such a horrific incident occurred. Being unable to answer their questions, Ben Ross decides to conduct a classroom experiment that encompasses the theories and notions of order and obedience within his classroom to reveal to them the powers that groups and leaders can have among a group of people. He begins by simple order and commands that the students must follow in the classroom, and then goes to the extreme of issuing them membership cards, salutes, and symbols. The experiment produces positive results among the students initially, but once the students infiltrate the mechanisms within the school, the experiment takes a turn that even Ben Ross did not expect. Todd Strasser, a New York City native, studied Journalism in College, and went on to become the owner of a fortune cookie company. Strasser has received many awards, such as the ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults, New York State Charlotte Award, and the Rhode Island Teen Book Award.
The Wave was a recommended read from a colleague who felt that this book was written in a very untraditional style and it could capture the significance of very sad, yet important historic event, that was appealing to older youth. After having read the novel, I have to agree. I feel that it was untraditional in the sense that it allowed the reader to get a real feel for the historic incident through these students’ experiences. They all questioned how such a tragedy could occur, and yet they themselves became overwhelmed and very engaged with what the movement offered, regardless of what opposing voices had to say. I would definitely incorporate this read into a classroom because it not only highlights historical events, but it teaches significant issues that many teens deal with through their teen years. Although the book reflected on the basis of Hitler’s regime, students can connect with it because of issues with gangs and peer pressures that they receive in their immediate environments as well as what the media so often portrays to them.
Annotated Bibliography (Part I)-Children’s Literature
By: Cynthia Gonzalez
Chicago State University
Bilingual 350
Dr. McInerney
June 3, 2008
Alacron, Francisco. Laughing Tomatoes and other Spring Poems. San Francisco: Children’s Book Press, 1997. 32 pages. Ages: 6 and up. Genre: Poetry. Language: English and Spanish.
Alacron provides readers with a remarkable collection of poems which celebrates family traditions and cultures, nature, the season of spring, and coming of age themes. Among my favorite of the books picked for this assignment the book encompasses many themes and tales of culture and tradition that reflect upon the pure and gentle thoughts of youth. The book, through its descriptive poems has the ability to captivate the reader and bring to life the different experiences and thoughts that the poems present. The illustrations are filled with various colors to add to the whimsical and magical essence of each poem. Francisco Alacron is a much acclaimed poet whose inspiration comes from the musical influences of his grandmother. The collection of poems has been recognized for its exhilarating and thrilling ability to captivate readers through the use of both the English and Spanish language. The book has received many awards which include thee 1998 Pura Blepre Honor Award and the National Parenting Publications Gold Medal Award.
This book was one of my personal favorites because of the fun and bright colors that were used in the illustrations. Along with the amazing illustrations each poem had the ability to make me as a reader, because of the word usage, feel as though the experiences came to life as I read through them and slowly let my imagination take me to the precise moments that the poem described. The book addresses various themes about nature, culture, and tradition. The book resembles other books in the sense that it provides young readers with a collection of poems that are intended to get them to embark upon thinking about specific issues in their lives. The book is distinguished in the sense that it had exuberant colors that help bring the characters and words to life to fully engage the readers into those personal experiences. The book is filled with very short poems that are very descriptive and they were presented to the reader in two languages.
Children would definitely like this book because of the wonderful illustrations and the ability o relate to the experiences and feelings that are expressed in these poems that celebrate the coming of spring. Reading this book alone allowed me the opportunity to view the images that I know would be captivating for the eyes of youth, which in turn would make this a much recommended read for other teachers. The events are engaging and free from stereotyping which makes this a book that would be useful with integrating different views of culture and language into the classroom. Each poem is fresh and invigorating, some poems long and others short, with captivating illustrations that bring the words to life.
Cisneros, Sandra. The House on Mango Street. Texas: Arte Publico Press, 1984.Ages: 10 and up. Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction. Language: English.
One of Sandra Cisneros most acclaimed contributions to the literary world; the House on Mango Street is the coming of age story of a young girl named Esperanza who struggles with various issues that are reflections of her search for her true identity. Filled with small chapter excerpts, the book follows Esperanza’s childhood and the many journeys she embarks upon as well as the individuals she interacts with that have helped to influence the person that she one day hopes to become. Filled with youthful insights and inexperience, Esperanza provides the epitome of the struggles that youth encounter throughout their development. Esperanza’s unwillingness to conform and her perseverance to become more than one of the inhabitants of Mango Street unwittingly help her to overlook the significant role that her family, peers, and neighborhood play on her overall development, thus making it a life long struggle that she herself can only find the resolution to. Sandra Cisneros is a Chicago native who spent an ample amount of time being a teacher as well as a mentor and counselor for youth. Her other works include My Wicked, Wicked Ways, Loose Woman and Woman Hollering Creek. Cisneros has also received prestige recognition with the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, the PEN center West Award, and the Quality Paperback Book Club New Voices Award.
The House on Mango Street was a very interesting read for me because of how close the content matter hit to home. It was definitely refreshing and inviting to have a story based in the city in which I myself grew up in. Most importantly the book addresses various themes that I along with various other youth definitely encounter which include identity, culture, and overcoming traditional norms. Like other books, it presents the characters with coming of age obstacles as well as their individual resolutions to help provide readers with an insight to a character that they can try to relate to. The book is unlike others that I have read because of the style in which the information is presented. Instead of depicting the entire life of Esperanza in a 300 word story book, Cisneros captivates the crucial moments in her life that have helped influence the woman Esperanza wants to become in short chapters which help the reader to remain engaged in the story.
The story has realistic fictional elements that make the story life like, and definitely a comprehensible read that youth can relate to. Reading the book alone helped to identify the crucial themes that are presented within the story line that make this a recommended read for classrooms. Although the story is about a Latino family in a Chicago urban neighborhood with issues about growing up, peers, racism, and sexism that are all found within Esperanza’s world the experiences make it relatable to the youth of today and the struggles they are encountering. The book does not stereotype a specific culture, race, or tradition, but it does highlight various issues that exist amongst different cultures, and it presents the ideals of how Esperanza’s perspective of these traditions helped to influence her overall development. Although there were no illustrations within the book, Cisneros was able to present unique characters within the chapters that helped to contribute to the feel of the Mango Street neighborhood and their dynamics. Each character was individually created within the story to help Esperanza identify what qualities she wanted to possess or tear away from.
Krull, Kathleen. Cosechando Esperanza. La Historia de Cesar Chavez. New York: Libros Viajeros, Harcourt Inc, 2003. 47 pages. Ages: 6-9. Genre: Non-Fiction. Language: Spanish.
The story highlights the significant events that Chavez encompassed that led up to him being a social activist and an iconic figure throughout the world. Through the struggles and hardships that he faced because of poor working conditions and his unwillingness to conform, Chavez revolutionized the ideals of his fellow people so as to partake in a nonviolent approach to attain their human deserving rights. Kathleen Krull is famous biographies literary leader for children’s literature. Her works include Pocahontas, Houdini, and Wilma Unlimited. Krull is today the proud recipient of the Boston, Globe/Horn Book Honor Award and the Christopher Award.
I enjoyed this read and I feel that young readers would as well because of the abundant use of colors used in the illustrations to create captivating life like images to represent the different scenes within the book. A much forgotten icon in the classroom setting, I think it is essential to incorporate this book into the classroom because Cesar Chavez is a name that should be known as much as MLK’s l or Rosa Parks. Krull even highlights how Chavez abided by the same non violent techniques that the above mentioned heroes practiced to attempt to bring justice to the people. The themes presented in the book are about injustice our everyday lives and the means of bringing about change. To instill social activism within our students, a read like this one would provide a good background into the struggles we faced and will continue to face, and how we can follow in the footsteps of past heroes to attempt to make a significant impact upon the world around us. The plot was fresh and interesting because of the fact that it was a depiction of real life events and a mans individual aspiration to bring about social change because of an unjust system.
Lobel, Arnold. Sapo y Sepo Inseparables .Florida,Santillana USA, 1971. 68 Pages. Ages: Early Childhood. Genre: Chapter Book. Language: Spanish.
Sapo y Sepo is one of my forgotten childhood favorites. These short, easy read, chapter books invite young readers to embark upon various adventures with two loving friends. In this book Sapo y Sepo overcome common daily struggles that children can easily relate to, making this a useful resource for an instructional read for conflict resolution skills for young readers. Sapo y Sepo overcome issues with bravery, patience, and most importantly loyalty and friendship. Arnold Lobel is recognized today for his wonderful contributions in the literary world for beginning readers. His other works include Owl at Home, Grasshopper on the Road, and, Mouse Tales. Lobel is recognized for his achievement with both the Newbery and the Caldecott Award.
Sapo y Sepo is a favorite book of mine because of the many adventures that these two friends embark upon. The themes reflected in the chapters revolve around the ideals of friendship and what two very distinct personalities go through in trying to overcome the obstacles that are in front of them. The loyalty amongst the two friends serves as a reference to young readers as to the relationship qualities that they should value in friends, as well as their ability to overcome the many obstacles that their adventures bring upon the two of them. I think that the book is very unique in the sense that the two friends are showcased through animals giving the story a fun and magical approach to serious issues that youth encounter in their early ages. The book is a short read that is filled with different chapters revolving around a different adventure in each one. The short stories make it an interesting book for young readers. I read this book alone, but i think that it is a book that young readers can relate to. With the idea that there are chapters within this short story frame, beginning readers are instilled with a sense of growth and accomplishment as they make the transition from picture books to short chapter books. The book is not comprised of many illustrations to adhere to the transitional period that young readers embark upon when reading their first chapter books. Like the book and the chapter they are short and simple, but very captivating.
Using simple colors to coincide with the feel of the characters and the environment that they live in, the illustrations serve as rein forcers to highlight the significant moments within the chapter. The book is free from stereotyping and the idea that the two main characters are animals definitely leaves it open for readers to be able to feel as though they can relate to Sapo y Sepo. Sapo y Sepo are two very unique characters that engage the readers because of their individual ways of thinking and how they react to the situations that they find themselves in. Each chapter presents a unique and interesting adventure for the two characters which engages readers to see what types of scenarios the two will find themselves in. This would definitely be a recommended read because of it is a short simple representation of everyday issues that children embody and through the simple structures, students are able to not only engage in the reading but can adequately relate to them.
Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1989. 137 pages. Ages: Middle Ages Genre: Young Adult Novel. Language: English.
In this fictional depiction of sad, yet, true events, Lowry captivates a very heart warming experience of a young girl named Anne and the very poignant and dangerous struggles that she encounters as her Jewish friends and neighbors are being persecuted by the Nazis. Along with the strict rules and harsh living conditions imposed upon them after the war, Anne is forced to grow up in a world full of danger to protect the ones she deeply cares for. The deep sympathy and extremes that young Anne puts her life at risk for depict the essence of qualities human nature can bring about in every individual. Lois Lowry is known today for her bold depiction of somewhat controversial topics in her literary works. Lowry tackles very strong issues in her novels that all reflect on the essence of the empathetic human being. She has received two Newberry Awards for her work with Number the Stars and The Giver.
A significant quality that made this book appealing to me as a reader, was the ability to incorporate significant life themes in a setting that is beyond the realm of comprehension for many readers, yet it is a well written story that is comprehensible while still offering student with an insight to the past. As a young reader I did not comprehend the exact nature of the Jewish persecution but Lowry present both characters and a very captivating plot that intrigues a reader and motivates them to remain engaged within the story line. The story provides insight to a very significant theme of the past exposing the students to history as well as presenting the problems in a simple uncomplicated manner that makes it a book that the readers can relate to. The themes of friendship and devotion play a key role to why young readers could be engaged in this depiction that Lowry presents about some of the issues that may have been presented to the youth at this time. The plot is engaging because it keeps readers on the edge as they follow Anne through the dangerous journey she and her family embark upon to protect her friend.
Mc Dermott, Gerald. Creation. New York: Duton Children’s Books, 2003.32 pages. Ages: Juvenile. Genre: Picture Story Book-Juvenile Non-Fiction. Language: English.
Filled with vivid illustrations, Gerald Mc Dermott presents a very unique depiction of the original creation of Earth and all its habitants. Mc Dermott’s captivating illustrations create a very imaginative perspective about the significant events that led to our existence. His precise word usage makes this an easy and comprehensible read for youth, while in turn also leaving a strong mythical impact on the minds of youth. Gerald Mc Dermott is known today for his ability to create spiritual stories that move the minds and souls of young readers. Using colorful images he is able to captivate and engage youth into reading tales that revolve around very meaningful and mythical subject matter. Mc Dermott has received praise for his outstanding accomplishments through recognition as the First Fellow of the Joseph Campbell Foundation, and the Caldecott award.
Upon making numerous selections for the assignment I chose this book in particular because of its exuberant images. The bright images and abundance of colors invite readers to engage in further learning of the subject matter that the book contains. Mc Dermott has a very unique style of presenting a very complex issue in a way that is both invigorating and appealing for its young readers. The book specifically addresses themes about religion and the creation of world according to the Bible and the book of Genesis. Due to the fact that I have not been a very prominent reader since my early school days this book is very unique in the sense that it is unlike other stories because of the fact that it discusses the significance of religion in our existence. The special elements that this story contains are the bright images the story elicits, that definitely set the tone for a very fun read about a very significant issue. Creation contains important themes about the formation of the Earth that would be essential to expose children to if their religions and beliefs abided by the same connotations. This in turn makes this read one that might not be appropriate for all classrooms based upon different beliefs about how the Earth was originally created. In turn the book could also be a tool to help other students learn about the beliefs of other cultures. I would definitely recommend this book to another author because of the nature the magical nature that is presented with the bright illustrations to a very mythical tale.
Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. New York: Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 1997. 312 pages. Ages: Genre: Contemporary Fantasy.
In the first installment of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling introduces the themes of friendship, trust, fallacy, death, secrets, destiny, and self perseverance in the form of magical realism. Harry Potter is introduced as a character with an undiscovered past that catches up with him when he is admitted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Once he enters the wizarding world an unexpected battle between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort, the man responsible for the death of his parents and the scar on his head, depicting a captivating battle of good and evil that develops throughout the series. J.K. Rowling has been writing since she was a child but her talents were not recognized until Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published. Her unique series has been recognized with awards such as the book of the year at the British Book Awards, four Whitaker Platinum Book Awards, Nestlé Smarties book prizes, Scottish Arts Council book awards, Whitbread children’s book of the year award, the WHSmith book of the year, as well as being nominated for many others.
Harry Potter and theSorcerers Stone is an extravagant book meant for all ages. Although it is a book of fantasy it touches upon important issues such as friendship, love, trust, death, adolescence, and apathy. This story is unlike any that I have read before; it does not follow the norms of a traditional novel but it brings important issues to real life through the obstacles that the protagonists must overcome. The book teaches the readers about life without explicitly stating right and wrong. It allows the younger readers a chance to see and understand real life situations through fictional characters and their situations. With the first read, many younger children may only be interested in the magic and the idea of fantasy, but with a second or third read, or perhaps a read done by older individuals, then they would understand the bigger picture and how it can relate to real life. As part of an older audience, I would say that this is an appropriate book to read to children because it helps stimulate their imagination and it allows them to express themselves freely and creatively. It also allows older audiences to reconnect with their childhood as they enjoy this unique piece of literature. Each character brings refreshing and entertaining characteristics to the story. Their vulnerability, strength, passion, fears, silliness, and pain are characteristics that the readers can relate to which is why the readers are engaged with the series. It is not only the characters that engage us in the story but the plot as well. From the beginning readers are concerned with the young boy who lost his family to an evil wizard and whose life would remain a secret until his eleventh birthday when he finds out he is a wizard and that the murder is determined to finish what he started. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a book that should be found in classrooms and libraries because it helps develop children’s writing as well as demonstrating that reading can be engaging which will in turn motivate students to read more.
Sendack, Maurice. Where the Wild Things Are. Harper Collins, 1988. 48 pages. Ages: Genre: Picture Story Book. Language: English.
Where the Wild Things Are is a fun and magical read that takes a step into the imaginary world of a boy named Max. With his fun and unique wolf costume, Max takes the readers on an incredible journey to a place where exotic creatures roam around and call him their king. In a fantasy world with no rules and regulations, Max soon finds himself weary of all his freedom and is then on a quest back home in search of the warm comfort of a hot meal at home. Through Sendack’s detailed and vibrant images, readers are able to embrace the essence of Max’s magical world. Maurice Sendack’s creative imagination helps bring about one of the most acclaimed stories in children’s literature. His unique illustrations and distinctive story line has helped bring about the awarding of the 1964 Caldecott Award.
I absolutely loved this read. The fun illustrations make Max’s world come to life. It is a fun and creative celebration of the unique minds and the mythical fantasy worlds that student imaginations create. I would definitely recommend this book for further reading for the creative insight as well as the lesson that the underlying theme teaches readers. The book clearly showcases the ideals of young children unwillingly conforming to rules and standards opposed upon hem by adults, and Sendack provides a resolution for what readers can do as means of providing an outlet for the imaginative minds. The exotic creatures help create a mythical atmosphere that does not but any boundaries nor does it stereotype for that mater because it is all up the imagination to create a world that will provide an outlet for the young mind. The plot is interesting because it shows defiance and the unwillingness to conform which is somewhat common for young readers, but at the end it provides means of finding your way back home, back where things are a lot more pleasant than children realize. Max’s character was very engaging because of the sporadic nature of where his journey led him. His determinedness can somewhat captivate a heroic iconic figure for students to admire.
Sendack, Maurice,Yorinks, Arthur, and Matthew Reinhart. MAMA? China: Michael Di Capua Books, 2006. 12 pages. Ages: Early Childhood. Genre: Picture book. Language: Spanish.
As a collaborative project among three prominent authors, MAMA? is a fun filled story filled with amazing illustrations and pop ups that is sure to engage many young readers. A young boy finds himself in a haunted horror filled castle searching for his mother. Along the way the young boy encounters various scary finger clenching creatures that try to prevent him from finding her. The young boy adds a comical twist to the story by simply overlooking the creatures and not letting them become obstacles towards finding his beloved mother. This adorable approach to the warm and affectionate relationship between mother and son provides for a family read that parents can enjoy with their children. The individual contribution of each author helps set the tone for a whimsical approach to the horror scene which then provides a comical appeal to many young readers. Maurice Sendak which is most famously known for works such as Where the Wild Things Are, and In the Night Kitchen is both an illustrator and a writer who has been awarded with prestigious recognition such as, the Caldecott Award and the Astrid Lingdren Memorial Award. Yorinks, who is writer for both children’s literature and theater, has composed such pieces such as Sid and Sol and Christmas in July. Matthew Reinhart is a much proclaimed artist who, dreamed of becoming a toy designer, but became an outstanding figure in the pop up world of literature. Reinhart’s work can be found in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and Star Wars: Pop Up Guide to the Galaxy.
I found that the initial structure of the book is what captivated my eye. Very big and thick and filled with fun horror images, the book can prove a definite eye catcher among young readers. I enjoyed the comical approach to the horror and terror filled setting as the young boy undoes any of the creatures horror filled attributes because of his strong motivation to continue his search for his mother. The theme the book addresses is about the kind and yet everlasting relationship between a young boy and his mother. Not even the scariest of all creatures could have prevented this young boy from finding his mother. The book was unique in the sense that it was filled with vivid and eye dazzling pop ups and illustrations that highlighted the scary scenes of a dark haunted castle. Like many other books it touched on an important theme which was the significance of family and the undying relationship between mother and son. The book was unlike others because of the scene that the young boy found himself in and the representation of art through the amazing pop ups.
I definitely think that children would enjoy this book because of its shape, the illustrations, and pop up images, and the important family theme that is found within the book. I read this book alone and found it to be very comical. I would say that the illustrations are very in depth and very engaging. The variety of colors and images used, along with the pop ups help to create a very magical feel to this comical horror story. I would say that this book is free from stereotyping as it encompasses the ideal that many families are different with the revelation that the young boy’s mother is a monster at the end. The characters are very engaging with the sense that the young boy is dressed in pajamas as he unwittingly searches for her in a haunted castle. His fearlessness and determinedness makes him a character that young readers would want to relate to. The scary creatures that he comes across are very engaging as well. Through the illustration and the use of various colors their individual horrific attributes are highlighted but are then comically wound down as the young boy takes the scariness out of each one. The plot is interesting and fresh due to the fact that it is not set in any ordinary environment. The setting within the haunted castle makes the simple idea of searching for ones mother all the more interesting, especially since the main character is quite fearless. I would definitely recommend this read to another teacher because of the outstanding portrayal of the illustrations within the pop ups. The book also highlights a very significant theme that is presented in a very comical manner.
Silverstein, Shel. Uncle Shelby’s Zoo:Don’t Bump the Glump and Other Fantasies. New York: Harper Collin’s Children’s Books, 1964. 56 pages. Ages: All ages. Genre: Fanatasy Poetry. Language: English.
The collection of poetry found in this collection was a strange one for me personally. For a young reader the book definitely embarks upon different verses of the attributes of fantasy like creatures that are unlike anything unknown to man. The vivid illustrations that follow each verse highlight the humorous and extreme nature of these wild creatures that Silverstein creates in his collection. The verses highlight each individual quality which leaves room for the imagination to soar when young readers can try to invent their own fantasy like creatures. Shel Silverstein, another Chicago native wrote contributed many works such as the Light in the Attic, the Giving Tree, and Where the Sidewalk Ends. Silverstein has been awarded a Grammy Award for Best Album.
Out of the few books of Silverstein that I have read, I must say that this was one that I liked the least. The images were captivating in the sense that they helped to contribute to the morbid structures the ghoulish fantasy like creatures that he created in this fantasy filled poetry collection. I believe that this book was intended for a reader with a creative and imaginative realm of thinking. The book is not one that I would personally read, but I would recommend it because it is unlike other books of poetry because of the strange magical feel that it brings to light. The book addresses an important theme that is significant for youth to comprehend about individuality and the acceptance of others around us that don’t necessarily fit the accustomed norms. I feel that the plot is not fresh in the sense that the read is redundant and it doesn’t differ much in the engaging verses for me as a reader. Much after the tenth creature the book somewhat lost its edge and validity.